Olivia Taylor
A Wee Dram of Innovation: The Old Forester 117 Series Scotch Cask Finish
Picture this: a match made in heaven—or more accurately, a match made between Kentucky and Scotland. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Another bourbon in a Scotch cask? Yawn.” But hold your horses! The Old Forester 117 Series Scotch Cask Finish is galloping into the limelight, and it’s not holding back any punches (or should I say drams?).
The Kentucky-Scots Connection
Now, put on your tartan, and let’s dive into a bit of history. If you didn’t already know, the esteemed founder of Old Forester, George Garvin Brown, had a wee bit of Scottish in him. That’s right, folks—the roots of this grand bourbon institution trace back to the land of kilts and bagpipes.
And they haven’t forgotten their heritage, oh no. With a little help from some Scottish flair, they’ve birthed the latest prodigy in their limited-edition lineup: the Scotch Cask Finish, and let me tell you, it’s like a bagpipe serenade for your taste buds.
The Nitty-Gritty of this Kentucky Bourbon
Now, if you’re familiar with Old Forester, you’ll know their bourbons are like that reliable friend who always comes to the party with a deck of cards and a winning smile—consistent and delightful. Owned by the conglomerate behind Jack Daniel’s, the Brown-Forman company knows a thing or two about crafting a stupendous spirit.
Old Forester 117 Series: A Parade of Eccentrics
Speaking of spirits, Old Forester’s annual Birthday Bourbon might have stolen the show in the past, but the 117 Series is the quirky cousin that’s been stealing hearts since 2021. It’s like the innovative lab where mad bourbon scientists experiment with High Angels’ Share and the legendary Whiskey Row Fire. And wouldn’t you know it, along came the Scotch Cask Finish, a dashing dram that’s taken a wee vacation in sherry and wine barrels from the Speyside region of Scotland.
But here’s the kicker—we don’t know exactly which Speyside distillery these barrels come from. Could it be Benriach? Maybe. Let’s just say it’s like the secret ingredient in your granny’s famous casserole—undeniably scrumptious, but shrouded in mystery.
A Toast to the Founder’s Spirit
The master taster at Old Forester—shout out to Melissa Rift—has caught the Scottish wind and weaved it into a bourbon that’s testament to 150 years of craft. This isn’t just any old juice; it’s a salute to George Garvin Brown himself.
And, my fellow whiskey aficionados, you better believe the Scotch Cask Finish is offering more than your average flavors. Think of it as a fruit basket with a twist: baked apples, dried delights, and whispers of toffee, cinnamon, and chocolate teasing your palate, all rounded off with toasted almonds and a smoky wisp that’ll make you want to wear a kilt and play the bagpipes—metaphorically speaking, of course.
Pour, Sip, and Enjoy
What’s the best way to enjoy this liquid tartan, you ask? Keep it neat! No ice, no splash of water, no fancy cocktail mix-ins. Just you and the bottle, battling it out in a taste bud tussle that you won’t want to end.
Finding Your Bottle of Liquid Gold
As for where to snag this gem, it’s perched prettily on the shelves of the Old Forester retail shop and sprinkled throughout Kentucky like fairy dust. But before you rush off to book your flight, be aware that unless you’re quick, you might find those price tags have ballooned like a Highlander’s bagpipes on the secondary market.
If Kentucky doesn’t fit in your travel planner, fear not. ReserveBar’s got your back, stocked with the full range of Old Forester’s liquid delights. Just don’t linger too long, or like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the Scotch Cask Finish may dip beneath the waves of the bourbon sea, only to emerge as a fabled legend of your liquor cabinet dreams.
In short, grabbing a bottle of the Old Forester 117 Series Scotch Cask Finish is a no-brainer. So, whether you’re a seasoned bourbon buff or a Scotch devotee looking for a dram outside the norm, this Kentucky-Scotch collaboration is calling your name. Don’t wait for the bagpipes to stop playing—seize the Scotch Cask Finish and pour yourself a dram of history, innovation, and downright deliciousness. After all, why toast to greatness when you can sip it?
I absolutely loved this article about the Old Forester 117 Series and how it masterfully melds the excellence of both Scotch and bourbon. The way they blend the flavors of Old Forester and Scotch in the 117 Series is truly exceptional.